Happy 2026 and a new semester, everyone! On behalf of the OutFAU team, welcome back. And if you’re a new reader, we’re glad you’re here.
The team and I are proud to continue our goal to inform, empower, and amplify queer voices both on and off campus, while continuing our mission to foster awareness, celebrate identity, and build bridges across communities by highlighting the stories that matter most to queer and trans people at FAU.
Now that we’re fully into the swing of the semester, make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Remember that you come first before anything else in your life. Rest when you need to. Reach out when you need support. And know that you’re not alone on this campus.
Enjoy!
Love Is Love
February 14 is the beloved — some might say infamous — day of love, dates, and way too many restaurant reservations. While modern-day Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world as a holiday of romance, it doesn’t always feel the same for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Homophobia is still, unfortunately, very real — even in 2026. Anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans legislation gets filed, debated, and even passed across the country. Queer folks are judged — sometimes quietly, usually loudly — for simply being who we are, especially when we’re unapologetically loud and proud. Our community is slandered, targeted, and forced to think about safety in ways many people never have to.
So no, Valentine’s Day — and love — don’t always come with the same ease for us. But we fight back anyway, and we dare to exist every single day.
That’s why the team decided to highlight their experiences and views on queer love; you can read them on page 3.
Because love is love — and each and every single one of us deserves it.
Black History Month
February is recognized as Black History Month — a time to honor Black history, celebrate Black culture, and reflect on the generations of resilience, creativity, and leadership that have shaped our communities. What began as a dedicated effort to uplift African American history has grown into a wider recognition of Black contributions and stories around the world.
For the LGBTQ+ community, it’s also a moment to learn and remember Black queer trailblazers who expanded what freedom and community could look like. Names like Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Frances Thompson, Alvin Ailey, and Audre Lorde are more than historical references — they’re reminders of what’s possible when people insist on being seen.
Take some time this month to read, watch, listen, and share. Learn the stories that schools skip. Celebrate the wins, honor the struggles, and recognize the impact — because Black history isn’t separate from our present. It’s part of how we move forward.
Don’t know where to look? OutFAU’s sponsor, PRISM, is here to help. All month long, PRISM will be sharing different pieces of Black history through their Black History Month campaign on Instagram — don’t miss out. Plus, they have a wide range of resources on queer people of color on their website.
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